CARING FOR THE PLYMOUTH BRETHREN PATIENT
The Plymouth Brethren are a small CHRISTIAN group. Although there are no special DIETARY considerations, some
brethren would prefer only to eat and drink with other members of their own fellowship. They may therefore feel that
they need their bed curtains drawn during meal times. Women do not cut their hair, and may prefer to keep it covered
in hospital. They may have had little or no contact with the media, e.g. TV, radio. AS DEATH APPROACHES the
next of kin must be informed and the family or members of the fellowship may wish to keep a 24 hour vigil. After death
the family may wish to attend to the LAST OFFICES themselves. They will be opposed to a post-mortem, unless
requested by the Coroner and they are unlikely to give permission for organ donation.
CARING FOR THE QUAKER PATIENT
The Quakers, or members of THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS are an Anglo-American pacifist sectarian movement
originating in the 17th century. They differ from orthodox Christianity in several points of doctrine. They will have no
special DIETARY requirements and they will usually be well supported when in hospital by other members of the local
Meeting. There will be no objections to BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS/ORGAN DONATION/ORGAN TRANSPLANT or
POST-MORTEMS on religious grounds. AS DEATH APPROACHES the Quaker patient may want the Clerk of the
Meeting to be informed so that spiritual support can be given. Privacy would be required for this as far as possible.
CARING FOR THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST PATIENT
The Seventh Day Adventist Church was organised formally in 1863. SATURDAY is observed as the SABBATH for
rest and worship and is reckoned from Friday sunset until Saturday sunset. The patient should be asked about
DIETARY needs since many adherents will be vegetarian and others will only eat certain meats. There are no special
rituals AS DEATH APPROACHES but a patient may request a visit from the local pastor. Burial is normally preferred
but there is no religious objection to cremation.
CARING FOR THE HUMANIST PATIENT
The British Humanist Association was founded in 1963. Humanism is the outlook of reason and goodwill for those
who do not accept a Divine plan. Humanists believe strongly in the individual's right to freedom of choice in the main
decisions of life and death, and this will certainly influence their choices for their care. There are no special DIETARY
needs, no objections to POST-MORTEMS, ORGAN DONATION/TRANSPLANT and routine LAST OFFICES
procedures may be followed.
CARING FOR THE SPIRITUALIST PATIENT
Spiritualism embodies the main ideas of other religions, such as the existence of God and life after death. But the
Spiritualist believes that communication beyond the grave can be facilitated through Mediums. The Spiritualist patient
may request a Healer for treatment alongside medical treatment. This will include the laying on of hands and privacy
will be needed as far as possible. There are no special DIETARY requirements, no objections to ORGAN
DONATION/TRANSPLANT or POST-MORTEMS, and routine LAST OFFICES may be performed.
CARING FOR THE PAGAN PATIENT
The term PAGANISM is used here to denote a particular set of beliefs - a Pagan patient would be upset if their religion
were recorded as unknown. They may wish to have access to a small white candle and holder, and a small figure of
the goddess. Traditions are diverse, and it is always best to consult the patient. DIETARY needs are likely to be
Vegan, Vegetarian, or raw food diet. Pagans will want to be aware that DEATH is APPROACHING so that they can
prepare positively. They would not welcome prayers at the bedside but would appreciate the presence of another
Pagan, or of a nurse. Individual feelings about ORGAN TRANSPLANT/DONATION and POST-MORTEMS should be
discussed with the patient. Routine LAST OFFICES are appropriate and either cremation or burial is acceptable.
ALL PATIENTS ARE INDIVIDUALS AND WITHIN THEIR OWN TRADITIONS PRACTICE MAY VARY